Pritchard Park - a path with trees on the side
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Pritchard Park

4.1
·731 reviews·Asheville, United States

A vibrant downtown Asheville park famous for its lively Friday night drum circle, offering a unique community experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Experience the drum circle!

CrowdHigh
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Pritchard Park - a path with trees on the side

Pritchard Park

Best Time

Friday evenings

Experience the drum circle!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant downtown Asheville park famous for its lively Friday night drum circle, offering a unique community experience.

4.1
(731 reviews)

"The Friday Drum Circle was an unexpected thing for me in Asheville. It was really cool!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥁 Bring Your Rhythm

Don't hesitate to bring your own drum or percussion instrument to join the circle!

🌅 Arrive by Sunset

For the full experience, aim to arrive around sunset to catch the drum circle as it builds energy.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Asheville Drum Circle

Asheville Drum Circle

Pritchard Park

A lively, free, and open-to-all gathering every Friday evening, showcasing Asheville's unique community spirit.

Instagram+1
Urban Oasis

Urban Oasis

Pritchard Park

Enjoy the tree-lined paths, water features, and natural boulders that make this downtown park a refreshing escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Friday Night Drum Circle Magic

Experience the vibrant Asheville Drum Circle every Friday evening at Pritchard Park. It's a free, open-to-all event that embodies the city's unique spirit. Arrive around sunset to catch the full rhythm and community vibe. Instagram+1

Downtown Asheville Hub

Pritchard Park is nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, making it a convenient spot to visit. It's surrounded by numerous dining options, perfect for a pre or post-drum circle meal. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Experience the drum circle!
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Enjoy a peaceful urban escape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Central Park Guide to the best route and locations 🎠. What are your favorite parts of the park? Secret Spots: @Dasha 🛩️ #nycthingstodo #nyccentralpark #nyc #centralpark #nychiddengems #nycsecretspots #nyctravel
@dashakofman
20.3K likes • 439.6K views

🥁 Bring Your Rhythm

Don't hesitate to bring your own drum or percussion instrument to join the circle! Instagram+1

🌅 Arrive by Sunset

For the full experience, aim to arrive around sunset to catch the drum circle as it builds energy. Instagram

The Asheville Drum Circle is yet another aspect that makes this mountain city so unique! 🥁 If you haven’t had the chance to make it out, put this on your #ashevillebucketlist asap! 💃 Occurring every Friday evening at Pritchard Park in downtown, this festive gathering has been a staple of Asheville living since 2001. 📍Asheville Drum Circle. Pritchard Park. Asheville, NC For a local’s guide to T...
smoky.mountain.soul
395 likes • 17.7K views
YES, the drum circle did survive. It still happens every Friday night in Pritchard Park downtown, starting around sunset. It’s free, open to everyone, and all ages. Sometimes the circle feels smaller than it used to, and sometimes it’s packed again — but here’s where you come in. Bring your drum, bring your friends, bring your energy, and come be part of keeping this Asheville tradition alive....
discoverashevillenc
1.3K likes • 93.9K views

🍽️ Dine Nearby

The park is surrounded by great restaurants, perfect for a meal before or after the drum circle. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Downtown

Pritchard Park is a central point for exploring Asheville's downtown shops and attractions. TikTok

Surprise! The Asheville Drum Circle Is Back in Action! 🎉🥁 If you weren’t downtown this past Friday night, you missed the sneaky early kickoff of Asheville’s beloved Drum Circle in Pritchard Park—but don’t worry, we caught some on video! Check out this reel for a little taste of the rhythm, community, and pure Asheville magic. 👉 And hey… for those of you who know anything about Santa Claus, rumor...
toashevilleandbeyond
15 likes • 423 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥁 Bring Your Rhythm

Don't hesitate to bring your own drum or percussion instrument to join the circle! Instagram+1

🌅 Arrive by Sunset

For the full experience, aim to arrive around sunset to catch the drum circle as it builds energy. Instagram

🍽️ Dine Nearby

The park is surrounded by great restaurants, perfect for a meal before or after the drum circle. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Downtown

Pritchard Park is a central point for exploring Asheville's downtown shops and attractions. TikTok

🛍️ Market Days

Check for local markets like Ooh La La, often held at Pritchard Park on weekends. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(731 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pritchard Park is widely praised as a beautiful downtown gem, especially for its iconic Friday night drum circle, which is described as a must-see, lively, and highly recommended experience. Visitors appreciate its central location and the vibrant community atmosphere it fosters. Some reviews mention past issues with park access or management, but the drum circle's enduring spirit is consistently highlighted.

"What a beautiful park this is! If your downtown Asheville on a Friday evening there is also a chance you will get to experience the local drum Circle. Easy to find and a must see! 💜"

Shawna K

"I enjoy coming to the drum circles at this park on Friday evenings. Highly recommended."

Mark Marich

"The Friday Drum Circle was an unexpected thing for me in Asheville. I was just walking by and saw it! It was really cool. If you’re around on Friday I would highly recommend going to Pritchard Park and seeing some local Asheville street music!"

Andre McMahon

What People Like

Vibrant drum circle
Beautiful urban park
Central downtown location

What People Dislike

Occasional past access issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pritchard Park is located in the heart of downtown Asheville, making it easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot if you're staying nearby. Parking is available in surrounding garages and street meters. TikTok

Yes, Pritchard Park is very easy to find as it's a central landmark in downtown Asheville, often mentioned in guides for local activities. Reddit

From Pritchard Park, you can easily walk to many shops, restaurants, and other attractions in downtown Asheville. It's a great starting point for a walking tour. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Pritchard Park is a public park and entry is completely free. Instagram

The Asheville Drum Circle at Pritchard Park is a free event, so no tickets are required. Just show up and enjoy the music! Instagram

As a public park, Pritchard Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The drum circle typically starts around sunset on Fridays. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The drum circle is a vibrant, communal gathering where people of all ages come together to play drums and other percussion instruments, creating a lively atmosphere. It's a core part of Asheville's culture. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to join in. Bring your own drum or other instruments, or simply enjoy the music and energy. Instagram

Pritchard Park offers basic urban park amenities, including seating areas, trees for shade, and a water feature. It's primarily known as a gathering space. Reddit

While some Reddit users have inquired about dog-friendly spaces, it's best to check local regulations or observe park usage. The drum circle is a human-centric event. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Pritchard Park is surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars in downtown Asheville, offering diverse culinary options. Reddit

Generally, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the park. It's a great spot for a picnic before the drum circle. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the energy of the Friday night drum circle, the park's natural elements like boulders and trees, and the surrounding downtown Asheville street scenes. Instagram

Yes, attendees often share videos and photos of the drum circle. Just be respectful of performers and other attendees. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pritchard Park is a great spot for families, especially on a Friday evening when the Asheville Drum Circle comes alive. It's a free, energetic event that kids often find captivating. Instagram The open space allows children to move around, and the music is generally family-friendly. Instagram

During the day, it's a pleasant urban park for a short break. While it doesn't have a playground, the natural boulders and water features can be interesting for younger children to observe. Its central downtown location also means easy access to family-friendly dining options nearby.

🎶 Music Lovers & Culture Seekers

For those drawn to unique cultural experiences, the Asheville Drum Circle is an absolute must. It's a genuine expression of Asheville's artistic and communal spirit, offering a chance to witness spontaneous musical collaboration. Instagram+1 You can either participate by bringing your own instrument or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Instagram

Beyond the drum circle, the park's location in downtown Asheville puts you at the doorstep of the city's renowned music scene and eclectic arts culture. It's a perfect starting point for exploring galleries, live music venues, and soaking in the bohemian vibe that Asheville is famous for. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Pritchard Park is a dream for budget travelers. The Asheville Drum Circle is completely free to attend, offering hours of entertainment without spending a dime. Instagram It's a fantastic way to experience local culture authentically. Instagram

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park, saving money on meals. Reddit The park itself is free to enter and explore, providing a pleasant urban oasis. Its central location also means you can easily walk to many downtown attractions, reducing transportation costs.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Asheville Drum Circle

The Asheville Drum Circle is the undisputed star of Pritchard Park, drawing locals and visitors alike every Friday evening. This tradition, dating back to 2001, is a testament to Asheville's vibrant and inclusive community spirit. Instagram It's a free, open-to-everyone event that kicks off around sunset, transforming the park into a pulsating hub of rhythm and energy. Instagram+1

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own drums and percussion instruments, fostering a truly participatory experience. Even if you don't play, the atmosphere is infectious, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Asheville on a Friday. The circle's resilience is notable, having overcome past challenges and continuing to be a beloved fixture. Reddit

Pro-tip: Arrive a little before sunset to witness the circle build momentum and find a good spot to soak in the vibes. It's a fantastic opportunity to capture unique photos and videos that embody the soul of Asheville. Instagram

Pritchard Park: A Downtown Green Space

Beyond the drum circle, Pritchard Park serves as a valuable urban green space in the heart of downtown Asheville. Its tree-lined paths, natural boulders, and a water feature offer a pleasant respite from the city bustle. Reddit It's a place where locals and visitors can relax, enjoy a quiet moment, or have a picnic. Reddit

The park's location makes it incredibly convenient. It's flanked by numerous dining options, making it an ideal spot for a pre-dinner gathering or a post-meal stroll. Reddit The park also occasionally hosts other community events, such as local markets, adding to its role as a central gathering point for the city. Instagram

While it may not have extensive recreational facilities, its charm lies in its simplicity and its prime location. It's a place that contributes to the overall walkability and appeal of downtown Asheville, offering a touch of nature amidst the urban landscape.

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